Information regarding the 2009 Flu season

FAQs:
1. Where can I get the seasonal flu vaccine?
DHHA, TCH, UCH and VA will give the shots to residents. Please check with hospital personnel and/or web site for the most current information on dates, times, and locations.
DHHA Schedule
TCH Schedule
UCH Schedule
VA Schedule

2.  Where can I get the H1N1 vaccine?
Vaccines are being distributed by the Colorado Department of Public Health to various hospitals.  Hospitals are determining, based on who is most at risk, who will receive the shots and/or nasal mist.  Please check with Employee Health and/or the hospital’s intranet website at the hospital where you are rotating to learn the status of distribution.

3.  Where can a resident be tested for H1N1?
Each hospital is determining the need for testing.  Check with Employee Health and/or the hospital’s intranet website at the hospital where you are rotating to learn if they are offering H1N1 testing to residents/fellows and if there is a charge.

4.  If I have the flu, how long do I have to stay at home?
Each hospital is determining how long you must stay home; however, most have agreed that if you go 24 hours without a fever and with no fever-reducing medication, it is okay to go back to work and wear a mask.  Check with Employee Health and/or the hospital’s intranet website at the hospital where you are rotating to confirm the specific hospital’s return to work policy.

5.  Where do I go for diagnosis and treatment?
There is no one place for you to go and be diagnosed and/or treated.  If you need to see a physician, CU GME Health Plan members would have a $20 copay for a visit to their in-network primary care physician or at Denver Health Urgent Care.
Please remember that you may not prescribe for yourself, fellow trainees or family members.

6.  Do I need to tell anyone that I have the flu?
Please follow your program’s policy on reporting an absence when ill.

7. What is the mask policy?
Residents/Fellows should follow the mask policy at each hospital.The following policy applies to DHHA, UCH, TCH and VA patient care (inpatient and outpatient):
-A procedure mask for patients out of their rooms
-Surgical masks for staff engaged in patient care
-N95 mask only for staff caring for patients during aerosolizing procedures (e.g. intubation, open tracheal suctioning, nebulizers)

The UCH Pandemic Taskforce is aware of the CDC recommendations about N95s. This advice is at variance with almost all other agencies guidance and is based on previous SARS and Avian Influenza recommendations.
For all other hospitals, please check with attendings at the hospital

Informational website - Mask and Infection Control Practices - 2009 H1N1 (9.8.09) (Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America - Infectious Diseases Society of America - Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology)